Cheap cuts: How to buy beef

You might think the butcher's shop is pricey, but you'll find a great variety of inexpensive cuts plus lots of advice.

With names like flank, chuck and blade, the cheapest cuts of meat can sound severe and a little intimidating. However, butchers and professional chefs know the worth of these less popular cuts - they often have far more flavour than their expensive counterparts.

However, they do generally require longer cooking. The muscles that an animal uses most often - such as the shin or shoulder - are the toughest, but also the cheapest and most tasty. Most butchers buy animals whole too, so these parts should be readily available. Plus, you won't have to settle for pre-packaged portions and can buy exactly the amount you need.

Our advice: Get to know your butcher and get your head around some of our favourite cheap cuts.

Brisket

Award-winning West Yorkshire butcher Brindon Addy says brisket is one of his favourite cuts of beef. "I'd choose this over topside any day. A 700g joint will feed four people well and cost around £5.50."

Skirt

Taken from the underbelly of the cow, skirt steak is very cheap to buy but should not be cooked further than medium otherwise it becomes very tough. It's traditionally used in Cornish pasties, so have a go at making your own.

Oxtail is also one of the best cuts of meat from beef. Its our family favourite even my 2 year old loves it. Just sear it, then put it in a slow cooker with 2 stock cubes and just cover with water. I cook for 4/5 hours. I do it in a morning and forget about it all day, so I'm not sure on exact cooking time. I then just cook pasta in the stock and serve. The stock is so rich its unbelievable with so little ingredients. You know its cooked when the meat literally falls off the bone. When I cook it the bones come out of the pot completely clean! I bought 2lbs for £5.60 from Morrison's last week. Did 2 meals for a family of 4!

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